Methods, apparatuses, system, related computer programs and data structures for subscription information delivery

ABSTRACT

A method and corresponding apparatus are configured to transmit, during terminal attachment to an evolved packet system and in at least a portion of a diameter command, centralized service-related subscription information. The method and apparatus are also configured to transmit, in an initial message of a call continuity procedure, received centralized service-related subscription information. The method and apparatus are configured to operate according to the received centralized service-related subscription information in the initial message of the call continuity procedure.

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/656,764, filed on Feb. 16, 2010, which claims priority ofPCT Patent Application No. PCT/EP2009/051798 filed Feb. 16, 2009. Theentire content of the above-referenced applications is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Examples of the present invention relate to subscription informationdelivery. More specifically, the examples of the present inventionrelate to methods, apparatuses, a system, related computer programs anddata structures for subscription information delivery. The examples ofthe present invention may be applicable to single radio voice callcontinuity (SR-VCC).

BACKGROUND

3^(rd) generation partnership project (3GPP) is working to define theSR-VCC procedures in Release 8. Stage 2 of SR-VCC is defined e.g. in3GPP TS 23.216. SR-VCC may enable a user equipment (UE) to perform aninter-domain handover from long term evolution (LTE) to circuit switched(CS). In this way, the voice over internet protocol (VoIP) session overIP multimedia subsystem (IMS) over the LTE access can be transferred tothe CS network, when the LTE coverage is getting weaker.

FIG. 1 shows a domain transfer from the LTE (VoIP) to 2^(nd)generation/3^(rd) (2/3G) CS access as defined e.g. by Release 8 SR-VCC.As shown in FIG. 1, a communication network 100 comprises auser-actuated UE 101 capable of LTE packet switching (PS) and VoIP, anetwork 102 having both a LTE radio network and a 2G/3G generation CSnetwork, and the internet 103. In turn, the network 102 comprises amobility management entity (MME) 1021, a mobile switching center server(MSS) 1022, a database 1023 for providing user data for both packetswitched and circuit switched entities.

The transfer to the CS side is controlled by the network 102, and theterminal/UE 101 is aware of the situation only when the UE 101 iscommanded to hand over to the 2/3G CS-access. For enabling the routingto the correct mobile switching center server (MSS) 1022, home locationregister (HLR) information is updated after the handover is completed.

Release 8 defines also an IMS centralized services (ICS) functionality.With this functionality, the CS-access of the UE 101 can be adapted tothe IMS environment with enhanced MSS (eMSS) functionality. Theinformation is received during the location updating toward the HLR.Based on the HLR information the MSS can initiate ICS functionalitiestoward the IMS. In other words, Release 8 defines an ICS functionalitywhich allows the CS access of the UE 101 to be adapted to IMSenvironment via an ICS enhanced MSC server (IMSC). Accordingly, the IMSCmay have a direct SIP communication with IMS core network. Theinformation, whether a subscriber is an ICS subscriber, is received fromthe HLR during the location updating after the handover. Based on thisinformation, the ICS functionality can be initiated.

In consideration of the above, according to examples of the presentinvention, methods, apparatuses, a system, related computer programs anddata structures for subscription information delivery are provided.

According to an example of the present invention, in a first aspect,this object is for example achieved by a method comprising:

-   -   transmitting, during terminal attachment to evolved packet        system and in at least a portion of a diameter command,        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above first aspect,

-   -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the transmitting is performed responsive to receiving a diameter        request for the centralized service-related subscription        information;    -   the method further comprises receiving, prior to the        transmitting, the diameter request for the centralized        service-related subscription information;    -   the diameter request is an update location request command;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair;    -   the diameter command further comprises an indication of the        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to an example of the present invention, in a second aspect,this object is for example achieved by a method comprising:

-   -   transmitting, in an initial message of a call continuity        procedure, received centralized service-related subscription        information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above second aspect,

-   -   the method further comprises receiving the centralized        service-related subscription information during terminal        attachment to evolved packet system;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information is        received constituting at least a portion of a diameter command;    -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair.

According to an example of the present invention, in a third aspect,this object is for example achieved by a method comprising:

-   -   operating according to centralized service-related subscription        information received in an initial message of a call continuity        procedure.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above third aspect,

-   -   the method further comprises receiving the initial message of        the call continuity procedure;    -   the operating comprises one of operating as mobile switching        center server enhanced for centralized services and operating as        basic mobile switching center server enhanced for the call        continuity procedure.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above second and third aspects,

-   -   the initial message further comprises an indication of the        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above first to third aspects,

-   -   the initial message is constituted by a packet switched to        circuit switched request;    -   the initial message is constituted by a single radio voice call        continuity packet switched to circuit switched request;    -   the initial message is transmitted via a general packet radio        service tunneling protocol interface;    -   the call continuity procedure is constituted by a single radio        voice call continuity procedure;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information relates        to internet protocol multimedia subsystem centralized services;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information        constitutes an additional information element in the initial        message.

According to an example of the present invention, in a fourth aspect,this object is for example achieved by an apparatus comprising:

-   -   a transmitter configured to transmit, during terminal attachment        to evolved packet system and in at least a portion of a diameter        command, centralized service-related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above fourth aspect,

-   -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the transmitter is further configured to transmit responsive to        receiving a diameter request for the centralized service-related        subscription information;    -   the apparatus further comprises a receiver configured to        receive, prior to the transmitting performed by the transmitter,        the diameter request for the centralized service-related        subscription information;    -   the diameter request is an update location request command;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair;    -   the diameter command further comprises an indication of the        centralized service-related subscription information;    -   the apparatus is constituted by one of a home location register        and a home subscriber server.

According to an example of the present invention, in a fifth aspect,this object is for example achieved by an apparatus comprising:

-   -   a transmitter configured to transmit, in an initial message of a        call continuity procedure, received centralized service-related        subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above fifth aspect,

-   -   the apparatus further comprises a receiver configured to receive        the centralized service-related subscription information during        terminal attachment to evolved packet system;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information is        received constituting at least a portion of a diameter command;    -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair;    -   the apparatus is constituted by a mobility management entity.

According to an example of the present invention, in a sixth aspect,this object is for example achieved by an apparatus comprising:

-   -   an operator configured to operate according to centralized        service-related subscription information received in an initial        message of a call continuity procedure.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above sixth aspect,

-   -   the apparatus further comprises a receiver configured to receive        the initial message of the call continuity procedure;    -   the operating comprises one of operating as mobile switching        center server enhanced for centralized services and operating as        basic mobile switching center server enhanced for the call        continuity procedure;    -   the apparatus is constituted by an enhanced mobile switching        center server.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above fifth and sixth aspects,

-   -   the initial message further comprises an indication of the        centralized service related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above fourth to sixth aspects,

-   -   the initial message is constituted by a packet switched to        circuit switched request;    -   the initial message is constituted by a single radio voice call        continuity packet switched to circuit switched request;    -   the transmitter is configured to transmit the initial message        via a general packet radio service tunneling protocol interface;    -   the call continuity procedure is constituted by a single radio        voice call continuity procedure;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information relates        to internet protocol multimedia subsystem centralized services;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information        constitutes an additional information element in the initial        message;    -   at least one, or more of a transmitter, an operator and the        apparatus is implemented as a chipset or module.

According to an example of the present invention, in a seventh aspect,this object is for example achieved by an apparatus comprising:

-   -   means for transmitting, during terminal attachment to evolved        packet system and in at least a portion of a diameter command,        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above seventh aspect,

-   -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the means for transmitting is further configured to transmit        responsive to receiving a diameter request for the centralized        service-related subscription information;    -   the apparatus further comprises means for receiving, prior to        the transmitting performed by the means for transmitting, the        diameter request for the centralized service-related        subscription information;    -   the diameter request is an update location request command;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair;    -   the diameter command further comprises an indication of the        centralized service-related subscription information;    -   the apparatus is constituted by one of a home location register        and a home subscriber server.

According to an example of the present invention, in an eighth aspect,this object is for example achieved by an apparatus comprising:

-   -   means for transmitting, in an initial message of a call        continuity procedure, received centralized service-related        subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above eighth aspect,

-   -   the apparatus further comprises means for receiving the        centralized service-related subscription information during        terminal attachment to evolved packet system;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information is        received constituting at least a portion of a diameter command;    -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair;    -   the apparatus is constituted by a mobility management entity.

According to an example of the present invention, in a ninth aspect,this object is for example achieved by an apparatus comprising:

-   -   means for operating according to centralized service-related        subscription information received in an initial message of a        call continuity procedure.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above ninth aspect,

-   -   the apparatus further comprises means for receiving the initial        message of the call continuity procedure;    -   the operating comprises one of operating as mobile switching        center server enhanced for centralized services and operating as        basic mobile switching center server enhanced for the call        continuity procedure;    -   the apparatus is constituted by an enhanced mobile switching        center server.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above eighth and ninth aspects,

-   -   the initial message further comprises an indication of the        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above seventh to ninth aspects,

-   -   the initial message is constituted by a packet switched to        circuit switched request;    -   the initial message is constituted by a single radio voice call        continuity packet switched to circuit switched request;    -   the means for transmitting is configured to transmit the initial        message via a general packet radio service tunneling protocol        interface;    -   the call continuity procedure is constituted by a single radio        voice call continuity procedure;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information relates        to internet protocol multimedia subsystem centralized services;    -   the centralized service-related subscription information        constitutes an additional information element in the initial        message;    -   at least one, or more of means for transmitting, means for        operating and the apparatus is implemented as a chipset or        module.

According to an example of the present invention, in a tenth aspect,this object is for example achieved by a system comprising:

-   -   an apparatus according to the above fourth and seventh aspects;    -   an apparatus according to the above fifth and eighth aspects;        and    -   an apparatus according to the above sixth and ninth aspects.

According to an example of the present invention, in an eleventh aspect,this object is for example achieved by a computer program embodied on acomputer readable medium, comprising code means for performing a methodcomprising:

-   -   transmitting, during terminal attachment to evolved packet        system and in at least a portion of a diameter command,        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to an example of the present invention, in a twelfth aspect,this object is for example achieved by a computer program embodied on acomputer readable medium, comprising code means for performing a methodcomprising:

-   -   transmitting, in an initial message of a call continuity        procedure, received centralized service-related subscription        information.

According to an example of the present invention, in a thirteenthaspect, this object is for example achieved by a computer programembodied on a computer readable medium, comprising code means forperforming a method comprising:

-   -   operating according to centralized service-related subscription        information received in an initial message of a call continuity        procedure.

According to an example of the present invention, in a fourteenthaspect, this object is for example achieved by a data structurecomprising:

-   -   at least a portion of a diameter command for conveying        centralized service-related subscription information.

According to further refinements of the example of the present inventionas defined under the above fourteenth aspect,

-   -   the diameter command is an insert subscriber data request        command and the portion is one of a subscription data attribute        value pair and an extension of a subscription data attribute        value pair;    -   the diameter command is an update location answer command and        the portion is one of a subscription data attribute value pair        and an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair.

According to an example of the present invention, in a fifteenth aspect,this object is for example achieved by a data structure comprising:

-   -   an initial message of a call continuity procedure comprising        received centralized service-related subscription information.

In this connection, the example of the present invention enables one ormore of the following:

-   -   The HLR information may be updated prior to completion of the        handover, so as to avoid that the terminal's information is        different from the HLR information and to avoid unsuccessful        call attempts.    -   No need for the anchoring call to IMS to be routed through the        PSTN as a CS break-in call. In addition, there is no need for        any communication using other protocols like bearer independent        call control (BICC) or integrated service digital network (ISDN)        user part (ISUP) and possibly involving a media gateway control        function (MGCF) as a session initiation protocol (SIP) converter        in the routing path.    -   The ICS can be started during the handover, because the        subscriber information is received prior to completion of the        handover procedure.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there isprovided an apparatus, comprising a transmitter configured to transmit,during terminal attachment to evolved packet system and in at least aportion of a diameter command, centralized service-related subscriptioninformation, wherein at least one, or more of a transmitter, an operatorand the apparatus is implemented as a chipset or module.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there isprovided an apparatus, comprising a transmitter configured to transmit,in an initial message of a call continuity procedure, receivedcentralized service-related subscription information, wherein at leastone, or more of a transmitter, an operator and the apparatus isimplemented as a chipset or module.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there isprovided an apparatus, comprising an operator configured to operateaccording to centralized service-related subscription informationreceived in an initial message of a call continuity procedure, whereinat least one, or more of a transmitter, an operator and the apparatus isimplemented as a chipset or module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The example of the present invention is described herein below withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the above-described domain transfer from the LTE (VoIP) to2/3G CS access as defined e.g. by Release 8 SR-VCC;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the principle underlying the examples of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A shows methods for subscription information delivery according toa first example of the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows methods for subscription information delivery according toa second example of the present invention;

FIG. 4A shows apparatuses for subscription information deliveryaccording to the first example of the present invention;

FIG. 4B shows apparatuses for subscription information deliveryaccording to the second example of the present invention;

FIG. 5A shows a data structure for subscription information deliveryaccording to the first example of the present invention; and

FIG. 5B shows a data structure for subscription information deliveryaccording to the second example of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The examples of the present invention are described herein below by wayof example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is to be noted that for this description, the terms “PS to CSrequest; SR-VCC; ICS; update location request command; and updatelocation answer command, insert subscriber data request command” areexamples for “initial message; call continuity procedure; centralizedservice; diameter request; and diameter command”, respectively, withoutrestricting the latter-named terms to the special technical orimplementation details imposed to the first-named terms.

FIRST EXAMPLE

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A show methods for subscription information deliveryaccording to the first example of the present invention. Signalingbetween elements is indicated in horizontal direction, while timeaspects between signaling may be reflected in the vertical arrangementof the signaling sequence as well as in the sequence numbers. It is tobe noted that the time aspects indicated in FIGS. 2B and 3A do notnecessarily restrict any one of the method steps shown to the stepsequence outlined. This applies in particular to method steps that arefunctionally disjunctive with each other. Within FIGS. 2B and 3A, forease of description, means or portions which may provide mainfunctionalities are depicted with solid functional blocks or arrowsand/or a normal font, while means or portions which may provide optionalfunctions are depicted with dashed functional blocks or arrows and/or anitalic font.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a communication system 200 may comprise a UE 201and a network 202. In turn, the network 202 may comprise a source MME2021, a MSS/media gateway (MGW) 2022, a HLR/home subscriber server (HSS)2023, a source evolved universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS)terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) 2024, a target mobileswitching center server (MSS) 2025, a target serving general packetradio service (GPRS) support node (SGSN) 2026, a target base stationsubsystem (BSS) 2027, a serving gateway (SGW) 2028 and an IMS servicecentralization and continuity application server (SCC AS) 2029.

In optional preparatory steps S0-1 to S0-4, e.g. UE 201 may sendmeasurement reports to E-UTRAN. Based on UE measurement reports, thesource E-UTRAN 2024 decides to trigger an SR-VCC handover to circuitswitched network. Source E-UTRAN 2024 sends Handover Required (TargetID, generic Source to Target Transparent Container) message to thesource MME 2021. The E-UTRAN 2024 places the “old BSS to new BSStransparent container” for the CS domain in the generic Source to TargetTransparent Container. The container type also indicates to the MME thatthis is a SR-VCC handover operation only towards the CS domain. Based onthe QCI associated with the voice bearer and the SR-VCC handoverindication, the source MME 2021 splits the voice bearer from thenon-voice bearers and initiates the PS-CS handover procedure for thevoice bearer only towards MSS 2022.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A, in an optional step S1-1 a, e.g. the HSS2023 may perform receiving, prior to a subsequent transmitting, adiameter request for centralized service-related subscriptioninformation.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A, in step S1-1 b, e.g. the HLR 2023 mayperform transmitting, during terminal attachment to evolved packetsystem and in at least a portion of a diameter command, the centralizedservice-related subscription information.

As a development of the method related to the HSS 2023, the transmittingmay be performed responsive to the receiving of the diameter request forthe centralized service-related subscription information. If so, thediameter request may be an update location request command.

In addition, the diameter command may be an update location answercommand and the portion may be a subscription data attribute value pairor an extension of the subscription data attribute value pair.Furthermore, the diameter command may further comprise an indication ofthe centralized service-related subscription information.

First, in an optional step S1-1 b, e.g. the MME 2021 may performreceiving centralized service-related subscription information (e.g. ICSsubscription information) during terminal attachment to evolved packetsystem (EPS).

Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, in step S1-2, e.g. the MME 2021 may performtransmitting, in an initial message (e.g. PS to CS Request) of a callcontinuity procedure (e.g. SR-VCC), the received centralized service(e.g. (ICS))-related subscription information.

In an optional step S2-1, e.g. the MSS 2022 may perform receiving theinitial message of the call continuity procedure.

Then, in step S2-2, e.g. the MSS 2022 may perform operating according tothe centralized service-related subscription information received in theinitial message (e.g. PS to CS Request) of the call continuity procedure(e.g. SR-VCC).

As for developments of the methods according to an example of thepresent invention, the operating may comprise operating as mobileswitching center server enhanced for centralized services or operatingas basic mobile switching center server enhanced for the call continuityprocedure. Further, the initial message may further comprise anindication of the centralized service-related subscription information.

In addition, the centralized service-related subscription informationmay be received constituting at least a portion of a diameter command.Further, the diameter command may be an update location answer commandand the portion may be a subscription data attribute value pair or anextension to that attribute value pair.

Finally, the initial message may be constituted by a (single radio voicecall continuity) packet switched to circuit switched request, the callcontinuity procedure may be constituted by a single radio voice callcontinuity procedure; the initial message may be transmitted via ageneral packet radio service tunneling protocol interface; thecentralized service-related subscription information may relate tointernet protocol multimedia subsystem centralized services, and/or thecentralized service-related subscription information may constitute anadditional information element in the initial message.

The optional subsequent steps S0-6 to S0-23 shown in FIG. 2B serve forcompleting the handover procedure.

FIGS. 2A and 4A show apparatuses (e.g. MME 2021, MSS 2022 and HSS 2023)for subscription information delivery according to the first example ofthe present invention. Within FIG. 4A, for ease of description, means orportions which may provide main functionalities are depicted with solidfunctional blocks or arrows and a normal font, while means or portionswhich may provide optional functions are depicted with dashed functionalblocks or arrows and an italic font.

The MME 2021 may comprise a CPU (or core functionality CF) 20211, amemory 20212, a transmitter (or means for transmitting) 20213, and anoptional receiver (or means for receiving) 20214.

Further, the MSS 2022 may comprise a CPU (or core functionality CF)20221, a memory 20222, an optional transmitter (or means fortransmitting) 20223, an optional receiver (or means for receiving) 20224and an operator (or means for operating) 20225.

Finally, the HLR/HSS 2023 may comprise a CPU (or core functionality CF)20231, a memory 20232, a transmitter (or means for transmitting) 20233,and an optional receiver (or means for receiving) 20224. The memory20232 may be configured to hold the centralized service-relatedsubscription information (e.g. ICS subscription information).

As indicated by the dashed extension of the functional block of the CPU20221, the operator 20225 of the MSS 2022 may be a functionality runningon the CPU 20221 of the MSS 2022, respectively, or may alternatively bea separate functional entity or means.

The CPUs 20x1 (wherein x=21, 22 and 23) may respectively be configuredto process various data inputs and to control the functions of thememories 20x2, the transmitters 202x3 and the receivers 20x4 (and theoperator 20225 of the MSS 2022). The memories 20x2 may serve e.g. forstoring code means for carrying out e.g. the methods according to theexample of the present invention, when run e.g. on the CPUs 20x1. It isto be noted that the transmitters 20x3 and the receivers 20x4 mayalternatively be provided as respective integral transceivers. It isfurther to be noted that the transmitters/receivers may be implementedi) as physical transmitters/receivers for transceiving e.g. via the airinterface (e.g. between the UE 101 and the source E-UTRAN 2024 shown inFIG. 2), ii) as routing entities e.g. for transmitting/receiving datapackets e.g. in a PS (packet switching) network (e.g. between the MME2021 and the MSS 2022 when disposed as separate network entities), iii)as functionalities for writing/reading information into/from a givenmemory area (e.g. in case of shared/common CPUs or memories e.g. of theMME 2021 and the MSS 2022 when disposed as an integral network entity),or iv) as any suitable combination of i) to iii).

As shown in FIG. 4A, e.g. the receiver 20234 of the HLR 2023 may beconfigured to receive, prior to a subsequent transmission performed bythe transmitter 20233, a diameter request for centralizedservice-related subscription information.

E.g. the transmitter 20233 of the HLR 2023 may transmit, during terminalattachment to evolved packet system and in at least a portion of adiameter command, the centralized service-related subscriptioninformation.

As a development of the HSS 2023, the transmitting may be performedresponsive to the receiving of the diameter request for the centralizedservice-related subscription information. If so, the diameter requestmay be an update location request command.

In addition, the diameter command may be an update location answercommand and the portion may be a subscription data attribute value pairor an extension of the subscription data attribute value pair.Furthermore, the diameter command may further comprise an indication ofthe centralized service-related subscription information.

E.g. the receiver 20214 of the MME 2021 may receive the centralizedservice-related subscription information (e.g. ICS subscriptioninformation) during terminal attachment to evolved packet system (EPS)e.g. from the HLR/HSS 2023.

Then, e.g. the transmitter 20213 of the MME 2021 may transmit, in aninitial message (e.g. PS to CS Request) of a call continuity procedure(e.g. SR-VCC), the received centralized service (e.g. (ICS))-relatedsubscription information.

E.g. the receiver 20224 of the MSS 2022 may receive the initial messageof the call continuity procedure.

Then, e.g. the operator 20225 of the MSS 2022 may operate according tothe centralized service-related subscription information received in theinitial message (e.g. PS to CS Request) of the call continuity procedure(e.g. SR-VCC).

As for developments of the apparatuses according to the first example ofthe present invention, the operator may be configured to operate asmobile switching center server enhanced for centralized services or asbasic mobile switching center server enhanced for the call continuityprocedure. Further, the initial message may further comprise anindication of the centralized service-related subscription information.

In addition, the centralized service-related subscription informationmay be received constituting at least a portion of a diameter command.Further, the diameter command may be an update location answer commandand the portion may be a subscription data attribute value pair or anextension to that attribute value pair.

Finally, the initial message may be constituted by a (single radio voicecall continuity) packet switched to circuit switched request; theinitial message may be transmitted via a general packet radio servicetunneling protocol interface; the call continuity procedure may beconstituted by a single radio voice call continuity procedure; thecentralized service-related subscription information may relate tointernet protocol multimedia subsystem centralized services, and/or thecentralized service-related subscription information may constitute anadditional information element in the initial message.

Furthermore, FIG. 5A shows a data structure according to the firstexample of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, the datastructure may comprise at least a portion of a diameter command forconveying centralized service-related subscription information.

As a development, the diameter command may be an update location answercommand and the portion may be one of a subscription data attributevalue pair and an extension of the subscription data attribute valuepair.

Furthermore, another data structure 301 according to the first exampleof the present invention may comprise an initial message (e.g. PS to CSReq) of a call continuity procedure (e.g. SR-VCC) comprising thereceived (e.g. ICS) centralized service-related subscriptioninformation.

SECOND EXAMPLE

In addition or alternative to the above-described first example, FIGS.2A, 2B, 3B and 4B show a second example of the present invention.

Concerning the methods, apparatuses, computer programs and datastructures, reference signs identical to those used in the first examplerepresent the same or similar portions, and the description of the sameis omitted for the sake of description brevity.

There may occur a case in which the HSS 2023 may decide to change datarelated the user's data, and thus the HSS 2023 may initiate a subscriberdata update, in an optional step S1-1 a. That is, the receivingperformed in optional step S1-1 a in the first example becomes, in thesecond example, the above-described event in the HSS 2023.

As a development of the method related to the HSS 2023 as well as to theHSS 2023 itself, the diameter command may be an insert subscriber datarequest command and the portion may be a subscription data attributevalue pair or an extension of a subscription data attribute value pair.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the data structure may in this case beconfigured such that the diameter command may be an insert subscriberdata request command and the portion may be a subscription dataattribute value pair or an extension of a subscription data attributevalue pair.

In the second example, the diameter request from the MME 2021 to theHLR/HSS 2023 may be omitted.

Furthermore, concerning both the first and second examples of thepresent invention, at least one of, or more of the above-describedtransmitter 20213, the receiver 20224 and the operator 20225 as well asthe MME 2021 and the MSS 2022, or the respective functionalities carriedout, may be implemented as a chipset or module.

Finally, the present invention also relates to a system which maycomprise the MME 2021, the MSS 2022 and the HSS 2023 according to theabove-described first and second examples of the present invention.

Without being restricted to the details following in this section, theembodiment of the present invention may be summarized as follows:

The idea is to make ICS enhanced MSC aware of whether a subscriber hasan ICS subscription or not, so that ICS functionality can be used duringthe SR-VCC.

For enabling the ICS operation during the SRVCC, the subscriptioninformation of the subscriber should be available at the MSS during theSRVCC is initiated. With the currently defined SRVCC functionality, theinformation is available only after the SRVCC is completed and thelocation update has been done. Accordingly, the present invention mayenable the ICS functionality with the SRVCC.

Example for Implementation

The ICS subscription information may be received from the HLR or HomeSubscriber Server (HSS) to the MME during the evolved universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network(eUTRAN) attach procedure, together with other subscriber profileinformation. To carry the information, e.g. Subscription-Data attributevalue pair (AVP) e.g. of the “Insert Subscriber Data” request could beextended.

The indication of ICS subscription may then be carried from the MME toMSC e.g. in the initial request (such as a PS to CS request) duringSR-VCC. This request could be extended with an additional informationelement such as ICS subscription taking values 0 or 1. When the value 0could mean that the subscription does not exist and the value 1 couldmean that the subscription exists. After receiving the indication, theMSC may either work as a basic SR-VCC enhanced MSC or as an ICS enhancedMSC (defined in TS 23.292). MME operation is not affected.

FIG. 2B describes the signaling based on the current release 8 SR-VCCfunctionality. It is proposed to add ICS-subscription information to theMME's subscription information, which it receives from the HLR/HSSduring the terminal attachment to the EPS. During the SR-VCC, the ICSsubscription information would be carried from the MME to the MSS in theinitial message from the MME to the MSS (e.g. steps S1-2, S2-1 in FIG.2). With this information, the eMSS functionalities may be activated ona per subscriber basis for the user. It may then be left to the eMSSimplementation at which point the HLR is done.

Example Functionalities

It is proposed that the ICS related subscription information isdownloaded to MME from HSS (e.g. S6 a) Diameter based Interface duringE-UTRAN attach procedure.

The following diameter command may be updated:

Insert HSS User Profile procedure. A possible AVP for the ICSsubscription data is to include that data as a part of the“Subscription-Data” AVP of the Insert Subscriber Data request.

The following GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) request may be updated:

SR-VCC PS to CS request. A possible new information element containingrequired values for ICS subscription.

Delivery of ICS subscription information from the MME to the eMSS forenabling the ICS operation in the eMSS (e.g. steps S1-2 and S2-1 in FIG.2)

While MSS receives the ICS subscription information it can either workas MSC Server enhanced for ICS as defined in the 3GPP TS 23.292, or itcan function as a basic MSS enhanced for SRVCC. MME does not need toknow, which option the MSS supports. On the other hand, the informationdelivered in steps S1-2 and S2-1 in FIG. 2 enables the MSS function asconfigured to the subscriber's subscription information.

Further Examples

For the purpose of the present invention as described herein above, itshould be noted that an access technology may be any technology by meansof which a user equipment can access an access network (or base station,respectively). Any present or future technology, such as WiMAX(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) or WLAN (WirelessLocal Access Network), BlueTooth, Infrared, and the like may be used;although the above technologies are mostly wireless access technologies,e.g. in different radio spectra, access technology in the sense of thepresent invention may also imply wirebound technologies, e.g. IP basedaccess technologies like cable networks or fixed line.

A network may be any device, unit or means by which a station entity orother user equipment may connect to and/or utilize services offered bythe access network; such services include, among others, data and/or(audio-) visual communication, data download etc.; generally, thepresent invention may be applicable in those network/user equipmentenvironments relying on a data packet based transmission schemeaccording to which data are transmitted in data packets and which are,for example, based on the Internet Protocol IP. The present inventionis, however, not limited thereto, and any other present or future IP ormobile IP (MIP) version, or, more generally, a protocol followingsimilar principles as (M) IPv4/6, is also applicable; a user equipmentmay be any device, unit or means by which a system user may experienceservices from an access network; method steps likely to be implementedas software code portions and being run using a processor at a networkelement or terminal (as examples of devices, apparatuses and/or modulesthereof, or as examples of entities including apparatuses and/or modulestherefore), are software code independent and can be specified using anyknown or future developed programming language as long as thefunctionality defined by the method steps is preserved; generally, anymethod step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardwarewithout changing the idea of the invention in terms of the functionalityimplemented; method steps and/or devices, units or means likely to beimplemented as hardware components at the above-defined apparatuses, orany module(s) thereof, are hardware independent and can be implementedusing any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybridsof these, such as MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (ComplementaryMOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter CoupledLogic), TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC(Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA(Field-programmable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex ProgrammableLogic Device) components or DSP (Digital Signal Processor) components;in addition, any method steps and/or devices, units or means likely tobe implemented as software components may alternatively be based on anysecurity architecture capable e.g. of authentication, authorization,keying and/or traffic protection; devices, units or means (e.g. theabove-defined apparatuses, or any one of their respective means) can beimplemented as individual devices, units or means, but this does notexclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughoutthe system, as long as the functionality of the device, unit or means ispreserved; an apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, achipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this,however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of anapparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, beimplemented as software in a (software) module such as a computerprogram or a computer program product comprising executable softwarecode portions for execution/being run on a processor; a device may beregarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus,whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionallyindependently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.

Although the present invention has been described herein before withreference to particular embodiments thereof, the present invention isnot limited thereto and various modification can be made thereto.

1. A method performed by a mobile switching center server, comprising:receiving, from a mobility management entity, in an initial message of asingle radio voice call continuity procedure, information that isderived from an update location answer command and that indicateswhether a subscriber is subscribed to internet protocol multimediasubsystem centralized services; and operating according to the receivedinformation whether a subscriber is subscribed to internet protocolmultimedia subsystem centralized services as a mobile switching centerserver enhanced for internet protocol multimedia subsystem centralizedservices, wherein the initial message comprises a single radio voicecall continuity packet switched to circuit switched request, theinformation indicating whether the subscriber is subscribed to internetprotocol multimedia subsystem centralized services comprises anadditional information element, and the additional information elementhas a first pre-determined value when the subscription does not exist,and a second pre-determined value when the subscription exists.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the initial message is transmittedvia a general packet radio service tunneling protocol interface.
 3. Anapparatus, comprising: a physical receiver configured to receive, from amobility management entity, in an initial message of a single radiovoice call continuity procedure, information that is derived from anupdate location answer command and that indicates whether a subscriberis subscribed to internet protocol multimedia subsystem centralizedservices; and a physical processor configured to operate according tothe received information whether a subscriber is subscribed to internetprotocol multimedia subsystem centralized services as a mobile switchingcenter server enhanced for internet protocol multimedia subsystemcentralized services, wherein the initial message comprises a singleradio voice call continuity packet switched to circuit switched request,the information indicating whether the subscriber is subscribed tointernet protocol multimedia subsystem centralized services comprises anadditional information element, and the additional information elementhas a first pre-determined value when the subscription does not exist,and a second pre-determined value when the subscription exists.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus is constituted byan enhanced mobile switching center server.
 5. The apparatus accordingto claim 3, wherein at least one or more of the receiver, the processor,and the apparatus is implemented as a chipset or module.